Duchscherer probably done for the season

Justin Duchscherer went on the disabled list Sunday, having come off it just one day before, and it's more than likely that his season is over.

Duchscherer anticipates that he'll need surgery to resolve the problem in his left hip because it is just like the issue he had with his right hip that required season-ending surgery in 2007. He is not yet scheduled to see specialist Dr. Thomas Byrd again, but he believes he will go to Nashville for an exam soon.

Because Duchscherer went on the DL - his seventh trip to the DL in five years - the A's were allowed to bring back right-hander Henry Rodriguez, who had been sent down the day before.

Because the bullpen was taxed in throwing eight innings Saturday, Oakland also called up left-hander Cedric Bowers from Triple-A Sacramento. Bowers' only previous big-league experience was five games with Colorado in 2008, though he was drafted in 1996. The 32-year-old spent three seasons in Japan and one in Korea.

"Everything feels like it's going one million miles an hour," he said, smiling.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Bowers, the A's designated right-hander Chad Gaudin for assignment. Gaudin had allowed 11 earned runs in his previous four innings, and four homers in that span, but he was unhappy with the decision, telling the Associated Press, "I thought they'd have more faith in me."

Briefly: Catcher Kurt Suzuki returned after missing more than three weeks with a ribcage strain. He went 0-for-4. ... Josh Donaldson was sent down to Sacramento to make room for Suzuki. ... After rehab stints with Class A Stockton this week - Mark Ellis' starts tonight, Coco Crisp's Tuesday night - both men are scheduled to go to Sacramento on Thursday, unless deemed ready to rejoin the A's.